letters from america

[Belfast beau]

Hi all. I have four letters from American immigrants from 1920/1930 any suggestions for preserving them. They are slightly damaged around the edges and creased where they were Folded, I was thinking of laminating them. I would be open to suggestions and I'm sure there are experts out there who could help. Thanks for reading my request Belfast beau.

[Mo cara]

I would suggest that you make a photo copy of each page.  Laminate the copy's and see what way they turn out.  I would then store the originals in a place where they will not be in direct light or near any dampness.  Use the laminated copy's for showing purposes.  This way you are preserving the originals. 

[Ruskie]

NEVER laminate old documents! It destroys them. There have been threads here about how to preserve old paper - I will see if I can find them.

[Ruskie]

There are several topics on the subject. Here is a link to some:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,420.0.html
Ex member PrueM and (a professional conservator herself) gives some good advice.

[Belfast beau]

Hi Ruskie & Mo cara. Thank you for the advice,I like the copies idea that makes sense and the laminates can be handled as required. I will also seek the guidance of the conservationists at PRONI or the Ulster museum. Hopefully they will both give the same advice and I can secure them for the future. Again thank you for your input. Belfast beau.